Having traveled with Norwegian, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean I can honestly write of my disappointment with Carnival. My disappointment on several fronts was so strong that I will not take this line again. I will explain: When my small group of five first arrived at the pier to register the excitement and anticipation of our eight days of fun and relaxation was joyful. This is where the first disappointment began. There were three register lines: 1 was for the “VIP” group which either paid extra of due to customer loyalty was able to “jump the line. The second was for the wheelchair handicapped. This was the start of our frustration and others on line. While there were three lines all passengers’ had to wait for one of their 15 clerks to open a window. Our line began to fill quickly. The wheelchair handicapped line as well. Rather than alternate regular passengers with the handicapped, the facilitators let only the handicapped to proceed. Twenty five were allowed through by the time I reached my assigned registrar. I complained to no avail. The organization of registration was poorly run.

Once we reached our respective cabins I will write that we were all very surprised and delighted at the size of it. Of the lines that I we have sailed on this cabin was by far superior. Even the commode area, washbasin and shower were a delight.

The service staff was exceptional. Stewards responsible for the cabin upkeep were friendly, and accommodating. Even through the gratuity was automatically added to the invoice I gave an extra amount upon leaving the ship. This was also our feeling of the wait staff. We chose the free style dinning. Eat when we wanted to eat and not rely on the early or late structured time frame. Our waiter and his two assistants were so thoughtful that we decided to go each night when the restaurant opened to ensure that we received the same table and therefore the same wait staff. We also gave extra on our last evening meal. Read more